Sometimes we say someone is “an open book.” Perhaps this person is outgoing, outspoken, or talkative. Maybe they’re honest and seemingly transparent. But is anyone truly an open book simply because a few of their “pages” or “chapters” are readable?

If I’ve learned anything from my 49 years in this life and the many relationships on my journey is that most often than not- we all tend to only skim the surface of truly understanding each other.

The person assumed to be an “open book” most likely is frequently misunderstood, misjudged, and gets summed up like a short story.

We all have a story. And if we’re fortunate and blessed we also have a few people who know a little about that story. But to know the whole of it- I venture to say just isn’t possible. People aren’t this simple. We are all complicated and hold mysteries unknown and difficult to understand even if under the cover of being totally readable.

To know someone’s story and “read them” takes time…maybe even a lifetime.

I’ve written about this before. How we all desire to be understood. How so often we all misunderstand one another. I’m going to guess that misunderstandings are the root and catalyst of most, if not all, relationship struggles.

The only one who truly has the ability to know and understand us fully without error is God.

Psalm 147:3-5

“3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.”